(Courtesy of Instagram)
Domestic violence is a
topic that rarely gets recognized, yet is happening all around the world. It’s
a forbidden discussion that many family, friends, church members, and public
figures don’t talk about. It takes courage to leave an abuser because of fear
of what might happen and telling someone about their dilemma can possibly lead to
more harm. When there’s a problem that’s kept hidden and no one speaks out, it
leads to bigger problems that can unfortunately leave a tragic ending.
But that’s not the case
for 19 year old Mori Gabriella Montgomery. Mori, a college student, took to
social media to uncover her abusive relationship with her now, ex-boyfriend. She
showcased her bruises and injuries in hopes to bring more awareness about
domestic violence and that people who are in her situation to escape. I had the
opportunity of interviewing Ms. Montgomery through email since we’re in
different cities and here’s what she had to say:
SLBWunder: What's your major in school?
What are your plans after graduation?
Mori: Biology, I want to be a marine biologist.
SLBWunder: What interested you in
aspiring to become a model?
Mori: I’ve always wanted to be a model for as long as I could remember. I don’t
know who or what inspired me to want that, it’s just a personal goal of mine.
SLBWunder: I've read that you met
your ex-boyfriend through a friend of yours. How did he treat you in the
beginning & as you look back did you see a drastic change in him?
Mori: He was such a good boyfriend. We did so much together, he treated me
fairly well and made me feel loved. Now I don't know who he is. Or if I ever
knew him.
SLBWunder: Your ex's name or face
is not circulating through social media. Did you make a conscious decision to
keep his identity hidden, and if so why? Has any legal action taken place on
his behalf?
Mori: Yes because I'm not a bad person. I already hate that this has happened
to his family and I think for respect for them I have no desire to glorify him.
I deleted our pictures soon after it happened. And yes he has a lawyer.
SLBWunder: You
were brave to post those graphic pictures up; what gave you the courage to
fully commit posting them up for the world to see?
Mori: I didn't think the whole world was going to see it I merely wanted my
friends and family to know I was okay. To know our relationship wasn't glitter
and gold how it seemed. We were in love but I wanted them to see what it can
drive someone to.
SLBWunder: Have you received any
negative feedback from friends or family on broadcasting your experience? If
so, how does that make you feel?
Mori: Not from friends or family. I have a few friends that tell me they won't
be apart of my life if I talk to him, but I have my real friends so that's all
that matters.
SLBWunder: Did you experience any mental
or verbal abuse while in the relationship?
Mori:
Not really. He was very jealous but I took it like
I've taken every relationship. People get jealous. It's in our human
nature.
SLBWunder: You've mentioned how you were
pushed out of a moving car, but what escalated him going to that extreme on
you? Were you able to call for help yourself?
Mori: Yes and we were arguing. I'm not sure why he had such rage that night
but something sparked in him that wasn't normal. I didn't call, I blacked out
and someone found me and called the police.
SLBWunder: People have been giving you
encouraging words since hearing your story, how do you feel when you're called
an inspiration to someone?
Mori: It makes me feel amazing. I smile every time I hear it because I did not
know the outcome was going to be so big after all of this. I feel honored to
have people care and look up to me so much and they don't even know me
personally. It's an overwhelming amazing feeling.
SLBWunder: Have you been back to the
dating scene or are you happily single?
Mori: I'm happily single. But I'm not limiting myself when I do start dating.
It'll be awhile before another serious one that's for sure.
SLBWunder: With this platform you've
made for yourself on advocacy against domestic violence, what's next for you?
Mori: I plan on continuing to live my normal life before this went viral. My
happy and free spirit to grow as I venture on. I hope to continue my path
as a model and an actress and hope to become a speaker against domestic
violence.
Your Thoughts?
